PORT OF CHIEF MOUNTAIN – The Chief Mountain border crossing at the boundary of Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta has been temporarily closed because of the Kenow Fire, which reached Waterton township and forced the evacuation of hundreds of people.

With “extensive efforts” and despite embers the size of baseballs landing on the roof, firefighters saved the landmark Prince of Wales Hotel, built in 1927. Most of the town appears to be intact, though the 1950s visitor center was lost to the fire.

From Parks Canada: “Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the night to extinguish spot fires, monitor sprinkler protection, and protect facilities. High volume pumps and sprinkler systems, in combination with planning and fuel management done in previous years, ensured the townsite perimetre held. We expect extremely dry conditions will influence fire behaviour throughout the burning period today. Additional resources have been dispatched to assist.”

The Kenow wildfire left the park into Cardston County and Pincher Creek, with parts of both areas under evacuation. The Blood Tribe declared a state of emergency, the Global News of Edmonton reported. Cardston, 26 miles north of Babb, has set up an evacuation center.